Posted in Car Accident
Every driver in Wisconsin has to carry a specific minimum level of auto insurance, but many drivers do not realize how quickly a serious crash can exceed those limits. Understanding what the law actually requires matters when evaluating a claim.
What Are Wisconsin’s Minimum Insurance Requirements?
Under Wisconsin Statute 344.62, commonly summarized as 25/50/10 coverage, drivers must carry at least $25,000 in liability coverage per person injured, $50,000 total per accident, and $10,000 for property damage.
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Also Required?
Yes. Wisconsin requires uninsured motorist coverage with limits matching the bodily injury minimums, generally $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This coverage protects an injured driver specifically in situations where the at fault driver has no insurance at all.
Does Wisconsin Require Underinsured Motorist Coverage Too?
No, underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in Wisconsin, though it is widely recommended given how low the state’s minimum liability limits actually are. Without this optional coverage, an injured driver has no additional source of recovery when the at fault driver’s insurance falls short of covering the full injury.
Why Are These Minimum Limits Often Not Enough?
A single serious accident can easily produce medical bills exceeding the $50,000 per accident limit, particularly when hospitalization, surgery, or ongoing treatment is involved. Hickey & Turim, S.C. sees this gap between coverage and actual cost play out in nearly every serious crash case. An at fault driver carrying only the state minimum can leave an injured person personally responsible for the remaining costs unless other coverage applies.
What Happens If The At Fault Driver Has No Insurance?
Wisconsin operates as a fault based state, meaning the at fault driver is responsible for covering damages, but if that driver has no insurance, an injured person’s own uninsured motorist coverage generally becomes the primary source of recovery. Without this coverage in place, pursuing the at fault driver personally may be the only remaining option.
What Documentation Helps Identify Available Coverage?
Because more than one insurance policy can potentially apply to a single crash, gathering the right information early helps map out every possible source of recovery:
- The at fault driver’s insurance information from the police report
- A copy of your own auto policy, including uninsured and underinsured motorist provisions
- Details of any commercial vehicle or employer involvement in the crash
- Complete records of medical treatment and expenses tied to the accident
How Does This Affect A Manitowoc Car Accident Claim?
Because Wisconsin’s minimum coverage requirements often fall short of what a serious injury actually costs, identifying every applicable policy early can shape how much a claim ultimately recovers. A Manitowoc car accident lawyer can review every policy connected to a crash, including any uninsured motorist coverage available.
What If My Own Policy Does Not Include Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
If underinsured motorist coverage was never purchased, recovery beyond the at fault driver’s policy limits becomes considerably more difficult, though other sources like a commercial policy may still apply depending on the circumstances. A Manitowoc car accident lawyer can evaluate what coverage exists and whether other parties share responsibility for the crash.
Wisconsin’s minimum insurance requirements were never designed to fully cover a serious accident, which is exactly why identifying every available policy matters. If you were hurt in a car accident in Manitowoc and are concerned about insufficient insurance coverage, reach out to our office to go over your situation.
